The Dragon Scale Alocasia thrives in high humidity, something that can be a challenge to maintain indoors without a humidifier or misting. In contrast to what the "Amazonica" epithet suggests, the plant does not originate from the Amazon jungle or region, as Alocasia is strictly an Asian genus . Philodendron species are notable for their large, leathery leaves, which can be oval, pointed or heart-shaped. This fast-growing houseplant also has reddish colors on the underside of the leaves. A potting mixture of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil should create the perfect medium for Philodendron plants to thrive indoors. Colocasia vs Alocasia. The plant features green, glossy leaves and enjoys bright, indirect light and evenly moist soil. Alocasia 'Bambino' has deep green, arrowhead leaves with silvery green veins and purple undersides. All About Gardening 2023 All Rights Reserved. Alocasia plants are known for their impressive leaves that dazzle with their patterns, size, shape and colors, adding an instant exotic feel to any environment. There are many different types of alocasia, so picking the perfect plant can be a bit of a challenge! Each of them has arrow-shaped (rather large) leaves, boast similar-looking flowers, and they are all critter-resistant. But, you can put your plant anywhere you want. However, it does involve removing your . As a native to Thailand and Laos, the plant enjoys warmth and humidity. It enjoys moderate watering and humidity. The shape of the leaves is a departure from the typical oval or heart-shaped leaves of Alocasia varieties. In this article, gardening expert Madison Moulton takes you through each step to plant, grow, and care for begonia maculata. The rarest philodendron is the Philodendron Pink Princess, which was initially discovered in Northern Colombia. Vastly different from other Alocasias arrow-shaped foliage, the purple sword Alocasia gets its name from the long slender leaves that point towards the sky. The name blushing comes from the reddish-purple underside of the large Philodendron leaves. Philodendron Atabapoense has dark green leaves on the upper surface, and its undersides are slightly paler. I created this blog to give practical indoor plants care advice for first-time parent plants and small apartment dwellers. The black leaves add a dramatic look that will catch the attention of visitors and other plant lovers. The stem of the Macrorrhiza stingray is striped, similar to the Alocasia zebrina, but less brightly colored. The Alocasia macrorrhizos, not to be confused with the Alocasia macrorrhiza, is an exotic-looking plant that brings an aura of simplicity and sophistication to your garden. . Home Alocasia 15 Types of Alocasia Plants Rare & Popular Varieties. The Alocasia purple sword hates the cold and loves warmer climates. It's the classic beginner's plant, adaptable to a range of light or humidity conditions, and forgiving of benign neglect (but not overwatering! This post is about the different types of Alocasia plants, how to identify them including photos of the Alocasia varieties and some basic care tips. They are an incredibly vibrant green contrasted by pale cream-colored veins on each leaf. Many of the leaves are green, but many will also take on a lustrous silvery-gray color. Also, whole leaves can remain rolled and . Both species of Philodendron are from the same speciesP. Philodendron gloriosum, with classically large heart-shaped leaves and silvery veins, is a great choice. This plant is medium height. To propagate Alocasia, a tuber is separated from the main growth and . Plus chic renter friendly DIYs inspo. Luckily, Alocasias can be grown indoors and there are several varieties that you can find in nurseries should you decide to pick one up. Alocasia plants are varied with interesting features and relatively easy-to-meet care requirements. There are even more differences that we will get into in a while. I'm not sure about the size difference, odora can get pretty big too. 1. The leaves can get 8 in (20 cm) long. Its leaves are its best feature, and with very little care, the plant will grow in quickly and plentifully, adding volume and depth to your plant collection. The Philodendron White Knight is one of the rarest philodendrons with dark green and white variegated leaves. This Alocasia is said to bring good fortune to its owners, which explains why this plant is commonly referred to as Buddhas hand. The ideal location for Alocasia 'Polly' and Alocasia amazonica is actually a greenhouse where humidity and temperature can be controlled. Philodendron Imperial Green Care: A Complete Guide for Beginners, Philodendron Birkin light Requirements Everything you need to know. Because of its manageable size the plant rarely ever gets taller than 20 inches its suitable for growing even in terrariums, where the warmth and high humidity will make this plant thrive. This makes them suitable for intermediate to expert plant parents. Some leaves have even been reported to grow over 3-feet long. This Philodendron cultivar is an upright, non-climbing, plant that can reach an upright height of 2 ft. (60 cm). If you love types of Alocasia with an exotic look, the Yucatan Princess delivers a tropical feeling that youll be obsessed with. The stems are thick and stocky, giving the plant an overall thick and sturdy appearance. However, it is small compared with other Alocasia varieties, so dont expect it to grow more than two feet in height. It needs bright, indirect sunlight to keep the leaves vibrant. As mentioned, these huge plants can grow up to 15 feet tall. To get the best out of the Micans plant, grow in a hanging basket in bright, indirect sunlight. Philodendron Florida Ghost Propagation. This type of Philodendron plant features delightful glossy dark green foliage in the shape of an arrowhead or elongated heart. Shape of the Leaves. The leaves are heart-shaped with meaty white veins running over them, making for an outstanding contrast between the colors. One of the most elegant and minimalistic Alocasia varieties, the Zebrina features smooth, light-green leaves on tall, zebra-striped stalks, resulting in a plant that has a lot of pizzazz. Alocasias, commonly called Elephant Ears, are kept as both a house plant and an outdoor plant, particularly in areas with year-round warm weather. The Nigra plant, also referred to as the black metallic taro, is a subtle monochromatic plant with a lovely dark green color. The big lacy tree Philodendron is also called lacy leaf Philodendron, split-leaf Philodendron, Horsehead Philodendron, Cut-Leaf Philodendron, or Fiddle-leaf Philodendron. This Alocasia variety is native to the Philippines. It can have fiery orange colors and red or purple undertones to the deep green leaves, making for an interesting plant because you never know what it will look like when it grows. These plants are native to subtropical Asia and eastern Australia, so plenty of humidity and warmth are indispensable to their growth. This plant has uniquely shaped foliage, where the tips narrow to a string size and the base remains round in shape, representing the outline of a stingray. A rich burgundy petiole or stem supports the leaves. The difference between philodendron and alocasia. By accessing this website we assume you accept our. Be careful about direct sun exposure as well as the gentle leaves of the Cucullata can easily get scorched. Here are some of the main care differences between Alocasia and Colocasia plants: Light. Veins. Even though Alocasias like humid climates, their watering needs are less than you would think. This Alocasia plant and all others can be fed with half-strength fertilizer every few weeks in the spring. The ideal temperature range for Tiger Alocasia is between 64F and 82F (18C - 28C). This plant will be an impressive statement in your home and bring an exotic feel. Cataphylls are sheath-like leaves that protect a new developing leaf. This is the swollen base of the stem, enclosed by small dry leaves that protect it. With almost 100 varieties of Alocasias, choosing your perfect match can be overwhelming. This is another small-growing Alocasia variety, with leaves reaching a maximum of 8 inches, while the plant growing to around 16 inches tall. 20 percent peat moss; 20 percent orchid bark with charcoal; 10 percent shredded sphagnum moss and a handful of perlite. Upright Philodendron plants usually have large, split leaves. Depending on your interior dcor, you can choose between a hanging (vining) Philodendron or an upright Philodendron variety. But dont feed them in winter as this can lead to an accumulation of salt and ultimately damage their foliage. In the picture: Philodendron erubescens Red Emerald which has red stems. VARIEGATED FORMS: White, Yellow. The leaves can grow to be several inches in length or just a few centimeters, adding some variety to the plant. Cut a 5-inch portion of the stem of an existing plant, making sure the cutting contains at least one leaf and a node. Alocasia Mahani, which also has the same scientific name as its common name, grows small in stature. Aroid is the common name for members of the Araceae family of plants, sometimes known as the Philodendron or Arum family. Sometimes, the veins can take on a blue or purplish color, adding to the stunning palette of this plant. Anthurium vs Philodendron - What are the Differences. In this article and corresponding video, gardening expert Logan Hailey teaches you how to repot your pothos plant in 5 easy steps! Your email address will not be published. Looking to add some alocasia to your indoor garden, but aren't quite sure where to start? This variety of Alocasia is one of the most tropical-looking species. However, the soil needs to stay moist between watering. Types of Philodendron with Names and Pictures. Namely, at the widest part of the leaf. With careful watering, some hybrids can be grown successfully in potting soil by treating them similarly to philodendrons, letting the soil dry out a bit between waterings. 2. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Because of this, it is typically easier to care for indoors where the elements are controlled. The bold markings and large stature of the elephant ear plant varieties are sure to do just that. The long trailing stems can reach lengths of between 10 and 20 ft. (3 6 m). Alocasia leaves are more upright. Both overwatering and over-fertilizing can damage the plant quickly. These leaves appear to float about the base of the plant, like stingrays swimming in the aira truly unique sight. While Alocasia is a tropical and distinct variety of plants that will give your yard or indoor collection an exotic edge, these plants are so simple to take care of. Philodendron Grazielae has long trailing vines that are suitable for hanging basket or climbing up a moss pole. These plants grow from tubers instead of seeds and are best known for their large heart, arrow or ear-shaped leaves that have been known to grow up to three feet long. don't use just straight soiless mix, add at least 40% by volume of other stuff. Other species of Philodendron need brighter light but protected from direct sunlight. Watering requirements: always allow the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil to dry up before watering your philodendron.Do not allow the soil to go completely dry at any time. As a tropical indoor plant, the growth is restricted to the size of the pot. Conclusion. Whatever your interior dcor, there is a type of Philodendron to suit your taste. Adapting your environment to these conditions can always be done, and ultimately shouldnt deter you from trying to bring either of these fantastic plants into your home. The Alocasia longiloba can be identified by its large and dark grey-green leaves with bold white veining. All types of Philodendron plants thrive in medium to bright light. While the leaves arent actually black, they are so dark green that they appear black. This specific species of Philodendron prefers shaded areas or low light conditions. Sometimes the green leaves can be so huge that they need some support. They usually . The Zebrina enjoys bright, indirect light and lots of humidity. Under certain conditions, the leaves can be a grayish-blue color, which is stunning in your garden of green. Bunting Numerous Plants Claim the Common Name! The plant can grow to a massive fifteen feet under the right tropical conditions, but you can expect it to be around three feet in your home garden. Their arrowhead-shape and fan-like folded leaves can help identify this Alocasia. This variety needs a little less light and can survive in lower light conditions. Spathes are often confused with petals. The Alocasia originally comes from South East Asia but was commercially grown in Hawaii, where it got the name Alii, meaning king.. Welcome to Plant House Aesthetic! These tropical plants can grow up to 18 inches tall, making them stunning and compact ornamental plants. Alocasia are also known as "elephant ears" due to their size and shape, while philodendron leaves are more elliptical in shape. Its called Tiger Taro because of its bushy leaves and striped pattern but is also one of the most resilient species. The lacy tree Philodendron also has deeply lobed leaves that are large, shiny, and waxy. Botanical Name: Philodendron erubescens. One of the easiest ways to tell pothos and philodendrons apart is by their leaves. Both of these plants would make fantastic additions to any houseplant collection, and all indoor gardeners should consider both, but which one you choose will ultimately depend on if you can support the plants needs. Wash the leaves regularly . The plant is appropriately named, as the leaves look and feel like velvet fabric, with tiny little bristles all over it to create a super soft texture. Brasil cultivar is a type of variegated heartleaf Philodendron. This variety of Alocasia is very susceptible to pests and plant disease, so it requires some extra care and attention to keep healthy and happy! They are a deep green leaves with complementing silver veins. Also known as the Buddha hands plant, the Alocasia cucullata is a fast-growing variety of Alocasia that will sprout in your garden in no time. From a distance, the leathery look of the plants foliage makes it look like a plastic plant. The Alocasia are simply too large for me to get inside so I plant them in a one gallon pot and plant that in a very large decorative container or sink it into the ground. Coming from subtropical and tropical regions, Philodendron plants need high levels of humidity. However, because Anthuriums grow in the moss and leaf litter of tree branches in their native environments, they prefer something more akin to an orchid mix. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The veins on the leaves are pronounced and typically a dark shade of green that gives the leaves the appearance of depth and texture. Proper site preparation ensures years of growth and once established they will not require weed control. 1. i own a var macorrhiza and don't know whether to buy a var frydek as they're . It has large glossy leaves in bright green. Whilst the leaves are most commonly green they can come in red, pink or variegated colours, and have a bumpy or coarse texture. There are 97 different types of recognized Alocasia plants. The distinguishing feature of this plant from the family Araceae is the exceptionally large leaves. The Alocasia zebrina goes by many names relating to its appearance, including nicknames like the zebra plant, the leopard alocasia, or the alocasia tiger. This type of Alocasia is easier to maintain, a lot harder and more resilient than smaller ones. Like the other varieties on this list, this alocasia is extremely easy to propagate. The best temperature range is 65-85F (18C - 29C). The information will help you tell the differences between the various philodendron types. Philodendron Strawberry Shake is an older hybrid with highly variegated foliage with red petioles and green foliage with yellow, pink and orange variegation. The tips are pointed in the upward direction. This is where it gets complicated. The Alocasia longiloba blooms green flowers known as inflorescence. I earn a commission if you make a purchase through my referral links. Water any type of Philodendron when the top layer of soil has dried out. The nickname, Elephant Ear, applies to several other genera of plants, such as Alocasia, Colocasia, and Xanthosoma. As the leaves mature, they gradually turn to darker shades of green. The thick woody stems seem to arch in different directions, giving the plant a unique appearance. The leaves are a vivacious green and have a smooth, silky texture. Due to its unique look, the begonia maculata has become more popular in recent years as both an indoor and outdoor cultivar. Another name for this Philodendron is sweetheart plant, and it is also botanically known as Philodendron scandens. Alocasia, Caladium, and Colocasia are all shade-tolerant, and they all like to grow in moist soil. The vining plant has thick stems with small heart-shaped leaves that have glossy appearance. Many philodendrons, including the aptly-named and very common heartleaf philodendron, have more heart-shaped leaves that are thinner with a soft texture. Free shipping for many products! The main care guide difference to know between Caladiums and Syngoniums are that Caladiums are grown from tubers whereas Syngoniums are grown from adventitious roots. Humidity: philodendron likes high humidity, between 60 and 80%!Mist spray it regularly or use a saucer as a "water tank" to keep humidity high. Thinking of adding a Philodendron to your flourishing houseplant collection? Philodendron sagittifolium Synonyms: Philodendron tanyphyllum, Philodendron sanguineum, Philodendron lancigerum, Philodendron tuxtlanum, Philodendron lancigerum, Philodendron daemonum, Philodendron ghiesbrechtii Formerly incorrectly identified on this site as Many of the 480 species of Philodendron plants are popular houseplants thanks to their large, green leaves. so adding some small bark/coir chips and perlite to houseplant soil will be good. It has a sturdy tree-like stem that holds up its exotic-looking leaves. Repotting an Alocasia zebrina isnt difficult and should be done every 12-18 months. The plant can reach a height of 12-15 feet, while its leaves can reach a length of 3-6 feet and 2-4 feet in length. Colocasia tubers are also known as taro and are used for food in Hawaii. Stop fertilizing during fall and winter when growth slows down. Giant Alocasia taros are one of the biggest and fastest growing amongst the Alocasia genus. But be careful, Alocasias are poisonous and are best kept away from pets and kids. Compared to climbing Philodendrons, the upright species are slow-growing. Grown outside of its natural habitat, the Alocasia odora performs best in greenhouses, but also in shade gardens, where the climate allows growing this plant outdoors. Because of the different-sized leaves, a well-grown hooded dwarf will start to look like a small and flourishing bush. Their stems develop a somewhat old look, with aerial roots hanging downward . Very slow to propagate but extremely beautiful plant. The leaves have a wavy edge but still maintain the general heart shape characteristic of Alocasia. They can be identified by their arrowhead-shaped leaves that sit on tall petioles. Alocasia leaves are very glossy or waxy in appearance with prominent veins. Because they love humidity, green heartleaf Philodendron are excellent plants for bathrooms. Another name for this stout, evergreen climber, is the red-leaf Philodendron. So, try not to keep this plant in too dry of a climate if you want it to grow well. Water should easily drain out the pots drainage holes. These true philodendrons include Philodendron silver-leaf, Philodendron Silver Queen, and Philodendron Silver-Streak. Also known by the n ame Pink Princess, it's the most adorable variety of philodendron. Required fields are marked *, Affiliate Disclosure:PlantIndex.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. If you are struggling to get the humidity this plant needs, try placing it in the bathroom, or somewhere that gets more humidity. Also known as the Kris plant or the African mask plant, Alocasia sanderiana is a stunning tropical plant people love. While people still navigate to popular plants like the pothos genus, or philodendron genus, more and more houseplant owners are looking for plants like the Alocasia to diversify their indoor gardens. Leaf Color. The leaves can reach 6-feet in length and 4-feet wide. Feed your Philodendron in the spring and again in mid summer with a liquid house plant fertilizer. The large and hardier Alocasia are perfect for beginner to intermediate gardeners, like the taro or the portodora. They are, however, a lot less forgiving of overwatering which makes them susceptible to fungal infections and common pests. Here are some of the most popular and a few of the most interesting Alocasia varieties you should consider: One look at the Dragon Scale Alocasia and youll immediately understand its appeal. Its a plant with vigorous growth, when kept in ideal conditions. My cat and I really appreciate your support. The rugosa Alocasia has the thickest and most heavily textured leaves out of all the species. These are pretty low maintenance, so you can grow them in most gardens as long as you get enough humidity and sunlight. What is the difference between Hiring and Mercenary? Keep reading to dive into the different types of alocasias and how to identify each one. Instead of the typical white veins, the dragon scale was dark magenta veins that appear shadowed in their indented ridges. These cultivars are called cream splash Philodendron and are difficult to find, even online. If new leaves emerge pale, that is an indication that your plant needs more calcium and magnesium, so try to find a fertiliser that includes these. The stems grow very high and hold their large leaves in a horizontal manner that creates a sort of umbrella. 15 - 25cm Philodendron Scandens Pothos 12cm Pot House Plant. Your Philodendron will clasp onto anything it can to climb, so it is best to get to climb where you want it to. A subreddit dedicated to discussion, care, and progress of Alocasia plants. Its name loosely translates to tree hugger because this plant loves to climb and, in its natural habitat, will climb up trees to reach above the canopy. The odd shape and texture make it popular among those that love an unusual tropical plant. Fertilize once a month during the growing season and prune in the spring. Its important to check under the leaves for white dots or webbing. The nigra plant, in particular, loves to be well-hydrated and has moist, rich soil. If you are already registered, please log in. Dragon Scale Alocasia is a mystical-looking plant, usually with one massive leaf on a stem. The silvery leaves of the plant look like dragon scales with primary and secondary veins in dark green. It has moderate watering requirements, disliking overwatering but also chronic underwatering. Philodendron minima: this plant is a bit tricky. What is the difference between Socks and Proxy? The stems are thin and long, but they support large dark green leaves you would expect to encounter in the jungle. The Odora does best in part shade or sun and needs organically rich, moist soil to thrive. Monsteras also produce fruit while Philodendrons do not. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. The lacy tree Philodendron looks similar to the Xanadu plantand theres a good reason for that. 4. planter.day. With Helpful Tips. The large leaves on the Philodendron may be as long as 1 ft. (30 cm). These leaf differences are especially . Another difference between these two philodendrons is their leaf color. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron scandens): This well-known philodendron has 2- to 4-inch dark green, heart-shaped leaves. The flowers are small and white and surrounded by a light green spathe. Despite its nickname, this variety of Alocasia doesnt have that fuzzy, velvet appearance. Alocasia also boasts prominent veins on their leaves, ranging from green, black-green, white, and even shades of pink. Philodendron Prince of Orange gets its name from its orange-colored new leaves. If you want to grow this type of Philodendron indoors, youll need to have plenty of space. One noticeable physical difference between Philodrendron and Epipremnum is the presence of these little fake leaves called cataphylls. Add a bit of diluted fertilizer monthly during the growing season to keep your plant growing in top shape. Copyright 2023 - Plant Index. These leaves are bright green with lighter veins and shiny surface. Despite its rarity, the plant is extremely low maintenance, making it a favorite of home gardeners. 14 min read, 11 Tips To Keep Your African Violets Blooming Indoors, How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Philodendron Gloriosum, How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Anthurium Crystallinum, How to Repot a Pothos Plant in 5 Easy Steps, How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Begonia Maculata, Monstera Varieties: 16 Different Types of Monstera Plants. Known as the Giant Taro, the plant features tall, rigid stalks and large leaves with wavy, ruffled edges. Anything between 65 and 75F (18 and 23C) is perfect. 2. Stick the stem in a glass of water, making sure the node is submerged. The leaves are 6 - 9 i. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can burn the leaves. Also known as the Night-Scented Lily, the Alocasia Odora is an upright growing variety that can reach a height of 4-8 feet. Pothos, on the other hand, have leaves that are thicker and waxier. So, whether youre a beginner or an experienced plant parent, you can easily grow one of these dazzling plants. Alocasias like a lot of feeding, and larger plants will require more feed. It forms folds and crests on its sides. Jewel Alocasia is one of the most popular varieties of Alocasia because it is super easy to take care of and not very difficult to find. This tropical plant species is especially susceptible to cold chills. Lets look in more detail at the various types of Philodendron plants that are suitable for homes, offices, and other indoor spaces. The glossy surface of the leaves makes it commonly known as the Mirror Plant. The reginula species has been given the nickname of queen or Alocasia black velvet. Its not an ideal plant for indoor growing, so if you dont live in an area with a climate suitable for growing this plant outdoors, I recommend checking out the other Alocasia types I discuss in this article. One of the best examples of an upright, non-climbing, indoor type of Philodendron is the Xanadu cultivar. The embossed leaves grow out rather than up from their thin, tender stems. Water Quality: Pure water is generally more ideal because most Aroids are epiphytes and will be adapted to rain water (pH of 5.5-6) which naturally has a low mineral content.However, from my own experience, alkaline tap water can work - provided you take action to make it more hospitable and lower the pH. This indoor plant is an excellent specimen evergreen leafy plant. Its a tall-growing variety (4-6.5 feet) that needs filtered or bright, indirect light. These tropical plants thrive in high humidity and temperatures between 65F and 80F (18C 27C). The Amazonica reaches a height and spread of about two feet. You can see the distinctive white veining of the genus, complemented with the arrowhead shape. Ideally, a bright room with a window covered by shutters or thin curtains would be best, but your plant should be fine if kept out of direct light.